Kojou stepped out of his sleek black car, one he had bought a long time ago but hadn't had the chance to use until now. His steps were slow yet confident, hands tucked into the pockets of his glossy black suit, which highlighted his elegance in a way unusual for him. On either side, Asagi and Nagisa walked closely, clinging to his arms with obvious intimacy, their ample chests pressing against him unintentionally with every step. The sight alone was enough to draw curious and envious glances from some of the well-dressed attendees at the harbor entrance.
Despite the subtle tension radiating from Asagi and Nagisa, Kojou's calm confidence seemed to affect them directly. He guided them with steady steps toward the Oceanus Grave, the luxurious yacht that looked like an illuminated palace floating on the sea. The sounds of music and laughter from inside reached them before they even arrived at the entrance.
They approached the main gate, where guards stood rigidly, their black suits and red ties giving them the appearance of living statues. Without a hint of hesitation, Kojou pulled a black invitation card embossed with gold from his jacket pocket and handed it calmly to the guard. The guard examined the card carefully for a few seconds before nodding respectfully and bowing slightly, opening the way for them.
"Welcome, Akatsuki-sama," the guard said in a formal tone, drawing a few curious glances from nearby guests.
Kojou entered with measured steps, Asagi and Nagisa clinging to him as if afraid he might lose balance amidst the atmosphere. The moment he stepped inside, the yacht's interior was truly dazzling: white marble floors glittered under crystal lighting, walls adorned with golden accents, and a small live band played music at the side of the hall. The aroma of fine wine and gourmet dishes mingled in the air, while the sound of mingled conversations and laughter filled the space.
Yet as soon as Kojou advanced into the hall, he felt all eyes upon him. Some looked at him with curiosity, others with caution, and a few smiled slyly, many knowing his identity as the Fourth Primogenitor, which stirred both greed and fear in them.
Although he tried to blend in like any other guest, Kojou's presence was impossible to ignore. Quiet whispers began scattering throughout the hall, fragments of sentences here and there:
"That's… the Fourth…"
"Unbelievable… he's really here…"
"Why did he come? Was he truly invited?"
"Of course he was invited. Lord Vatler is a Vampire of the First Primogenitor's line and must pay respects to the Fourth Primogenitor upon entering his domain."
The gazes directed at him were a strange mix of curiosity, greed, and fear. Some faces bore false smiles concealing suspicious intentions, while others took a small step back as if his mere presence among them posed a hidden threat.
Asagi lightly bit her lip, eyes darting between the crowd that wouldn't stop staring, while tightening her grip on Kojou's arm, trying to mask her tension behind a forced smile. Nagisa was no better; her heart raced, and every time she heard the word "Primogenitor," she felt as if all eyes were devouring her too, not just her brother.
Kojou, however, remained as he always was… calm eyes, steady steps, as if oblivious to the swirling emotions around him. He walked straight through the crowd, indifferent to the poisoned murmurs spreading like contagion in the hall.
Deep within the room, where long tables were adorned with caviar and fine champagne, a man with golden blonde hair gleamed under the lights, his blue eyes as deep as the ocean, a serene smile playing on his lips. It was none other than Dimitrie Vatler.
Vatler rose slowly from his seat, his measured applause echoing through the hall, cutting through the whispers and drawing attention to himself. He raised his crystal glass filled with dark red wine and took two steps toward Kojou, a broad smile carrying a mixture of sarcasm and admiration.
"Ah… you honor us tonight, Akatsuki Kojou," he said in a rich voice, his eyes sparkling with something like sparks.
"It is a pleasure to host… the Fourth himself, aboard my humble vessel."
The words flowed smoothly, yet carried a heavy weight, as if announcing the start of a play whose ending no one knew.
Kojou offered a faint, subtle smile, barely enough to respond to Vatler's words, then raised his gaze toward him without altering his cold composure. He didn't stop walking until he stood directly before him, the two girls clinging to him as if part of his shadow, while the attendees' eyes watched the moment like a confrontation between two ancient kings.
"Modest, huh?" Kojou said in a flat tone, casting a quick glance over the dazzling hall with its marble, crystal, and luxurious furnishings, before adding, "It looks like it's swallowing half of Europe."
A short, clear laugh escaped Vatler, carrying an unsettling edge, as if he enjoyed hearing the sharp remark. He rotated his crystal glass slowly between his fingers, the red wine resembling blood dancing under the lights.
"Haha… I'm glad you noticed," he said lightly, then stepped closer as if to close the distance. "But… don't underestimate the occasion, Akatsuki. This gathering wasn't just for show. Your presence tonight… carries special significance."
A muted hum spread among the guests, their eyes following the brief exchange as if each word weighed gold or blood. Some exchanged anxious glances, while others wore mysterious smiles, anticipating an imminent eruption.
Asagi felt a tightening in her chest, still gripping Kojou's arm tightly, whispering almost inaudibly:
"Kojou… what is this man planning?"
Nagisa, on the other hand, remained completely silent, staring at Vatler with wide eyes, her heart beating like war drums, yet she dared not speak a word.
Kojou exhaled slowly, his expression unchanged, showing no tension despite the charged atmosphere:
"Special significance…?" He raised an eyebrow coolly. "I don't recall agreeing to play any role in your little theatrics, Vatler."
Only then did a mysterious gleam appear in Vatler's eyes, somewhere between admiration and madness, before he placed his glass on a nearby table and began walking toward a nearby staircase. "What do you say we change location? It will grant us more privacy, as it's obvious your companions are uncomfortable here."
"…" Kojou stared at Vatler silently for a moment, then followed him with Asagi and Nagisa. Vatler was right—it wasn't wise to stay, especially since he had begun to feel irritation from the lingering stares. He knew that if he remained too long, his anger would flare, and its consequences would be anything but gentle.
...
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